Expert: Doctor Early Options - 10/13/2009

Question
Dear Doctor Joan,
Where do I find a private doctor that offers confidential abortion services?  I do not want to go to an abortion clinic.  I don't want to be in a crowded waiting room with other women who are getting abortions.  Are all abortion services provided at abortion clinics? Why is it so hard to find private abortion services?  I am early in my pregnancy, so if you can answer soon, that would be great.  
Thank you!
Lisa

Answer
Dear Lisa,
The best resource for finding a doctor who provides private early abortion services is http://www.earlyabortion.com  This website lists private family doctors who offer nonsurgical early abortion services: the Aspiration Procedure and the Abortion Pill.  These are the safest, most natural abortion methods, and are completely safe for future wanted pregnancies.  

There are other resources for finding doctors who offer private abortion services.  These resources include: http://www.fwhc.org http://www.gynpages.com, http://www.prochoice.org  However, some of the clinics listed on these sites may say they are private, but they do not really provide private abortion services.  If you are concerned about high volume clinics, where they function more like an assembly line rather than a medical office, ask these questions regarding private abortion services when you make your appointment:

Will I have a scheduled appointment or do you have many women arrive at the same time?
Will my care be in a private examination room?
Can I bring a companion to be with me the entire time?
How many hours should I expect to be in the office?
Will I meet my doctor to discuss my options?

Another option is to find a doctor who provides the Abortion Pill.  Appointments for the Abortion Pill tend to be more private, than surgical abortion services.

I hope this is helpful,
Doctor Joan
http://www.EarlyAbortionOptions.com
New York City